Gezicht op Unter den Linden in Berlijn 1780

Johann Georg Rosenberg created this print of Unter den Linden in Berlin sometime in the late eighteenth century. What's immediately striking is the way it presents a vision of urban order and social hierarchy. Here, visual codes communicate power. The grand architecture, the spacious layout, and the figures strolling leisurely all speak to the values of the Prussian elite. This was a time of significant social stratification in Prussia, and the print subtly reflects these power dynamics. It's worth noting the institutional context as well. Art academies were gaining influence during this period, standardizing artistic styles and promoting certain ideologies. It would be interesting to know if Rosenberg was affiliated with an academy, and how that might have shaped his perspective. Ultimately, understanding this image requires delving into the social history of eighteenth-century Prussia. By consulting period documents, architectural records, and social histories, we can begin to unpack the complex meanings embedded within it. This print serves as a reminder that art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.